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March 2015 Moms
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Breastfeeding... not a fan :-(

NewMamaCK330NewMamaCK330 member
in March 2015 Moms
my little boy is coming up on a month old and I have been EBF since day one. I don't really enjoy it and when I go back to work I think im going to switch him to formula bc it won't be realistic given my duties (I am on the road a lot). I feel very guilty even just thinking about it, any other moms out there in a similar place??
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Re: Breastfeeding... not a fan :-(

  • sarah0989sarah0989 member
    Don't feel bad at all!!! The fact that you gave breastfeeding a try is something to be proud of. I tried doing it with both my kids and I just couldn't take it. Like you, I didn't enjoy it. I was so overwhelmed and exhausted that I just switched to formula. My baby is 7 weeks old and I switched to formula after he was 1 week and he's been fine. Honestly, people put so much pressure on moms about breastfeeding that it becomes a bad thing when you say you don't want to do it. Take care of yourself and your baby won't know the difference. Happy mom, happy baby!
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  • gdamore11gdamore11 member
    I don't think you're supposed to "enjoy it" necessarily. I went through some rough times where he really damaged my nipples and I cried from the pain, but the older he gets the better he is at latching, his mouth is bigger and he knows the routine! I enjoy knowing I can provide for him and give him the healthiest start possible, even though my nipples still hurt and I'm exhausted from his feeding schedule. The more time that passes, the better it gets. I would say try to hang in there for as long as possible, but of course you need to decide what's best for both of you. Fyi there are pumps with battery pack options so you can pump on the go. Pumping isn't fun either, but, as with most things, gets easier over time. Good luck with whatever you choose ;)
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  • NewMamaCK330NewMamaCK330 member
    Thank you for the reassuring words :-) I really feel bad as a FTM and not doing things the way I "planned." It's all so overwhelming and the breastfeeding is my biggest stressor. I love it when I can see him feed and does well, but he gets fussy at times, I hate the time it takes to prep, feed, and then wrap things up after a feed. I want my husband abc family to be able to help by feeding him too.
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  • NewMamaCK330NewMamaCK330 member
    I know. I have a lot of friends and a sister in law who EBF and I feel this pressure to do the same. But we are diffeebt ppl with different lifestyles. I don't think I'm like them, but I do worry about being judged, even though my mom and MIL and husband say it's ok, and no one will judge me. I am having a hard time becoming this "mom" that I always hoped I would be to my son.
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  • sarah0989sarah0989 member
    Exactly, everyone's different. I'm sorry you're feeling bad about it. Trust me, everyone will have something to say about it. I had planned on breastfeeding for at least 6 months but once my son was born and I had such a difficult time, that plan went out the window. Even my pediatrician said it was fine to switch him to formula. So many babies start on formula from the day they are born and they are fine. It's all these rude mothers who have a problem with it, and they love to get on their high horse about it. You're doing a great job, don't doubt yourself!
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  • NewMamaCK330NewMamaCK330 member
    Thank you, I feel better just venting this out!
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  • KD32412KD32412 member
    It really does get easier the longer you do it. I remember in the beginning I cried every single time. I had to pump because my first born was in the NICU. There were days when I would tell myself, "One more day, just keep going for one more day..." Of course, you know yourself best, and if you're feeling stressed and unhappy, that's not good for baby either. It's really no ones business anyways! Much luck!
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  • shirley4514shirley4514 member
    My plan before giving birth was to EBF. When my baby was born I did breastfeed but she was never satisfied and would get so frustrated and angry so I had no other choice but to use formula. I got so much crap at the WIC office for supplementing with formula and I felt so horrible and like I was a bad mother afterwards... But I realized that I know my child not them, and I know what works for us. I breastfeed as much as I can and i supplement with formula and im ok with what. You know what's best for you and your baby and that's all that should matter. Don't let anyone make you feel like less of a woman because you don't EBF or dont breastfeed at all.
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  • LcastoLcasto member
    I've decided to switch to formula as well and have had a really hard time while letting my milk dry up.. It's just kind of emotional. It doesn't matter what anyone else says. The choice is yours and you are the only one that knows what's best for your family. Good luck making the decision, hun.. I know it's difficult to not focus on the guilt, but lots of anxiety over breastfeeding isn't healthy for you or baby. So just be confident in whatever you decide. ;)
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  • NewMamaCK330NewMamaCK330 member
    I'm sitting here crying reading reading all your supportive comments. I'm struggling so hard with feeling like a bad person and bad parent. It's only been a month and I don't want to do something that should be so natural. I will call my son's pediatrician later to figure this out. I also think it's important I mention he was diagnosed with breast milk jaundice at 7 days old which adds to my guilt/anxiety. He's a month old next Monday and is still yellow. The doctor says that can continue for a bit. But once again, it's something having to do with my milk, despite it not being harmful, etc.
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  • KD32412KD32412 member
    NewMamaCK330 said:

    I'm sitting here crying reading reading all your supportive comments. I'm struggling so hard with feeling like a bad person and bad parent. It's only been a month and I don't want to do something that should be so natural. I will call my son's pediatrician later to figure this out. I also think it's important I mention he was diagnosed with breast milk jaundice at 7 days old which adds to my guilt/anxiety. He's a month old next Monday and is still yellow. The doctor says that can continue for a bit. But once again, it's something having to do with my milk, despite it not being harmful, etc.

    Both my girls had jaundice. No need to feel guilty! It has happened to almost everyone I know! Also, my second daughter was still a bit yellow at her one month check up, she's doing fine now (a little fatty piglet).

    Breastfeeding isn't easy for everyone, some mommies have a hard time, some don't. You are not alone.
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  • NewMamaCK330NewMamaCK330 member
    Thank you everyone--- your replies truly help me see things in a new light and helps put it in perspective. As of yesterday evening I've started baby on formula
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